Anna sipped her tea as she sat by the radio, listening to the special evening broadcast.
‘The following is an announcement from the Prime Minister Robert Menzies:’
‘Fellow Australians, it is my melancholy duty to inform you officially that, in consequence of a persistence by Germany in her invasion of Poland, Great Britain has declared war upon her, and that, as a result, Australia is also at war.’
Her sleep was peppered with nightmares, Papa calling for her to run and hide in a forest haunted by evil spirits. The following morning, there was a loud knock at the door.
‘Open up!’ The knocking continued.
Anna rushed down the hallway. Two armed police officers stood at the entrance.
‘Miss Anna Winter?’
‘Yes?’
They handed her a document. ‘You are to accompany us to the station.’
‘Why, officers? What have I done wrong?’
‘Government orders, madam. All enemy aliens are to be arrested immediately.’
‘Enemy aliens?’
‘Yes. Those who are deemed to have possible links with the fascist regime in Europe, that is, from nations at war with Australia, and hence may pose a threat to the security of this country – including people of German or Austrian descent like yourself – are to be transferred to an internment camp until further notice.’
‘But this can’t be possible. I have been living in Australia for six years already and am a loyal citizen. Would you really strip me of any ounce of dignity I have left, just because of my nationality? I have done nothing wrong.’
‘Sorry, madam. We don’t make the rules.’
Papa always told her to be brave in all things. But lately, even navigating to and from work had become an ordeal. Australia’s shores were meant to be free, a land where she could feel secure. How was she seen as an enemy alien after all she had been through? The gravity of war had reached far and wide. Nowhere seemed safe anymore. The whole idea of refuge, a hiding place from the monstrous winds of change, seemed futile now.
‘Take a few minutes to pack a few personal items, but then I am afraid you will have to come along with us.’
She rushed to the bedroom, pulled Papa’s old leather suitcase out from under the bed and threw in some clothes. She took Lalka down from the shelf and tucked her into her handbag. There was no way she was going to leave her treasured companion behind.